Brinker To Acquire 11 Canadian Chili’s Units

Brinker Int’l. is accelerating its growth in Canada. The Dallas company has signed a deal with longtime Canadian franchise partner, Speedy Creek (2011) Ltd. to acquire 11 existing Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants, all in the province of Alberta, which generate approximately $35 million in annual sales. The transaction is projected to close in June.

In addition to the 11 units, Brinker also will retain the management team at Speedy Creek, which was Chili’s first international franchisee back in 1991. Gerry Inglis, who has led Edmonton-based Speedy Creek since the partnership began, will serve as president of Brinker’s Canadian subsidiary and continue overseeing operations of the newly acquired restaurants.

Brinker owns or franchises nearly 1,600 Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurants in 33 countries and two territories.